A Runner's Soul

I was reading a story about a runner who stopped to take pictures of Meg's memorial.  (if you're not sure what I'm talking about, learn about Meg Menzies here and here)  I didn't know Meg personally, but if you're a runner you feel like all runners are a part of your family.  We're all connected in some way through our passion for lacing up our shoes each day and hitting the pavement (or trail, or treadmill) even if we may not always appreciate and honor what a blessing it is to do so. It made me cry but I was also left with this overwhelming sense of pride. Runners are part of a community that not many appreciate or comprehend unless they're a part of it.  From the outside looking in you don't understand it and from the inside looking out you can't explain it. We are a collection of some of the strongest and most determined people on the planet. The soul of a runner can never be killed because it will always run free. We possess an unconquerable spirit that thrives on challenges and grows stronger with each test. Why are we so strong? Because we run with our heart, not our legs. A runners power doesn't come from their ability to run, but their undying will to persevere and conquer.  That strength lies within each and every one of us, just waiting to be honed and nurtured. Whether its a one mile walk or a 64 mile trek through harsh conditions,we just keep going. We refuse to accept defeat. The truth is, it isn't about the number of races you've finished, how fast you went or even how many miles you traveled, its about not giving up.  The moment you overcome the thing you once believed you weren't capable of doing, that is when you find just how unstoppable you are.

2014 Race List (updated 7/21)

Here's what I have so far, it's a work in progress but it will give you a pretty good idea of what I have coming up this year in case you'd like to join me for a race or two :)  I'm also open to any suggestions you might have!

Name Type Place Date Commitment Day 5k RR Chicago 1/1/2014 Polar Dash 5k RR Chicago 1/11/2014 Biggest Loser 13.1 RR Alabama 2/9/2014 Pulaski Inaugral 10k RR Chicago 3/1/2014 Get Lucky 7k RR Chicago 3/15/2014 Shamrock Shuffle 8k RR Chicago 3/30/2014 Flying Pig 3-way 5k/10k/13.1mi RR Cinci 5/3/2014 Color Me Rad 5k RR Detroit 5/10/2014 Spring Half 13.1mi RR Chicago 5/18/2014 Soldier Field  10mi RR Chicago 5/24/2014 Mudderella 5-7mi OCR Chicago 5/31/2014 Michelob 13.1 13.1mi RR Chicago 6/7/2014 Biggest Loser 5k RR Rockford 6/14/2014 Warrior Dash 5k OCR Chicago 6/15/2014 Pride 5k 5k RR Chicago 6/26/2014 Dirty Girl Mud Run 5k OCR Chicago 6/28/2014 Hit & Run  5k OCR Chicago 7/5/2014 ROC 5k OCR Chicago 7/12/2014 Strike Out ALS 5k RR Chicago 7/15/2014 Christmas in July 5k RR Lisle 7/18/2014 RNR Chicago 13.1mi RR Chicago 7/20/2014 Diva Dash 5k OCR Chicago 8/2/2014 Biggest Loser 5k RR Chicago 8/3/2014 Chicago 10k 10k RR Chicago 8/10/2014 Pretty Muddy 5k OCR Chicago 8/16/2014 Chicago Tri Olympic Chicago 8/24/2014 Badass Dash 7k OCR Chicago 8/30/2014 Chicago Women's 13.1 13.1 RR Chicago 8/31/2014 Chicago Half 13.1mi RR Chicago 9/7/2014 Women Rock 5k RR Chicago 9/20/2014 Detroit Marathon 26.2mi RR Detroit 10/19/2014 Monster Dash 5k RR Chicago 10/25/2014

First medal of 2014: Polar Dash 5k recap

2013 Polar Dash with Abby & Johnny

Chicago weather is tricky.  From Monday to Saturday there was a 50 degree jump in temperature which as you can imagine lead to some difficulties on race day for the Polar Dash.  The course was riddled with puddles and mud, I guess it was sort of my introduction to trail running in a way.  It doesn't help that I was in no condition to be running Saturday morning, but my pride wouldn't let me sit this one out.  The night before the race was the wedding of two very close friends of mine.  In fact, I ran last year's Polar Dash with both of them, making it our first of many races together.

Sam and I, post race

Last year, this was my first Team Ortho race and it had a few problems then as well.  First of all the weather turned out to be 50 and balmy that day so we were all terribly overdressed.  Once on the course there weren't clear markings or course marshalls to direct runners along the correct path so some runners did a 7k while others only did a 3k for what should have been a 5k race.  I had my reservations about signing up for this years Polar Dash, but luckily I had saved up enough Team Ortho points to register for the entire series without paying anything additional out of pocket.

Pre-race Wampa goodness

My Midwest Vikings Family :)

Fast forward to this year.  Thankfully the weather warmed up a bit so it wasn't completely intolerable to run in.   The only problem with this Chicago "heat wave" was that it melted a good portion of the snow build up and made some giant water obstacles.  Not far into the race we were faced with one such puddle that was impassable, giving runners only one option which was to climb over some snow and run through the mud.  There wasn't really anywhere along this course that I was able to pick up any speed.  Between dodging puddles, climbing through snow and trying to pass slower runners there just wasn't an opportunity to break into my pace.  For the most part I was able to stay dry, but I still got caught in a few puddles and by the time I finished the race my feet were freezing.  With the course as narrow as it was, having traffic move in both directions was close to impossible.  On the bright side I saw some of my favorites at the race.  Before the race started Eric and I took a picture in our matching wampa hats, I chatted with his friend Jennifer before lining up, along the course I ran into some of my fellow Midwest Vikings and while waiting for some friends to finish the 14 miler I got to catch up with Sam and discuss future races.  It seems like the more I run, the more friends I make who help keep me motivated.

I'm still signed up for the remaining races in the series but I'm not sure I'll take any of them on again next year.  Even if they do include some pretty sweet swag...

The swag

Run in the New Year

This New Year's Day I decided to trade in that icky morning hangover for  a runner's high...well sort of.  The conditions out there were pretty rough today and to not risk injury I decided to walk most of the 5k.  Along my journey through the wind, sleet and snow I realized that in the last year I've made some huge strides towards being the best version of myself I can be.  I've broken up with my doubts, conquered my fears and let go of everything holding me back.  I'm starting this new year fresh with tons of positive energy and excitement.  I'm hoping that it's infectious and those around me are able to cross a few goals off their lists as well.


The race itself was fairly small, I'm guessing the 9am start time combined with the weather conditions made it an unappealing choice this morning.  As always the lake was beautiful along the course but that particular section felt like I was crossing through Valley Forge.  I'm really trying to enjoy winter running but I just can't seem to get my body to agree.  I definitely think I'll have to stick to short distance races because I'm not sure I could handle anything longer than a 5k in this kind of weather. 


Running this morning was exactly what I wanted to do to get my day started off right.  Especially after having such a great time last night.  I'm not big on going out, I prefer staying in with friends and doing something low key.  My roommate and I have a tradition of trying to do as many NYE superstitious traditions as we can.  We eat the 12 grapes, wear red underwear, light candles, turn all the lights on, run around the block with luggage, fill a pouch with 12 different coins, eat some lentils and a whole host of other random quirky traditions from around the globe.

This year we added a few new ones and I'm glad we did.  We read that in Russia people write their wish on a piece of paper, burn it and then drop the ashes in their champagne and drink it.  It sounded crazy but that's sort of what NYE is all about for us so we tore off tiny pieces of paper to write our wish on and got a lighter out to turn it into ashes.  Aside from that we also made 2 lists, one to keep and one to burn (those ashes went to the trash though).  The first list was a list of all the wishes and goals we have for the new year along with what we plan to do to accomplish those goals.  It seemed fitting that I jot them all down on my race bib so that's exactly what I did.  I wanted to carry them with me on my very first run of 2014 and having them on my race bib was my way to do that and keep them in front of me as I hit the ground running.  The other list was of all the negative things we wanted to leave behind before starting the new year.  That list got burned and disposed of so that we had a fresh start as the countdown reached midnight. 

While most people tend to write resolutions, I think it's equally important to acknowledge the pitfalls you encountered so that you're sure to avoid them in the future.  It was therapeutic to get it all out and symbolically wipe the slate clean.  If you haven't already, start your lists, it's never too late to make a change and start fresh.  As for me, I've already started attacking a few of those list items by registering for my first full marathon (Detroit 10/19) and my first olympic distance triathlon (Chicago 8/24).  This will be a tremendous year for me as I continue to develop as an athlete and work towards becoming the best possible version of myself.  So join me, let me know what you hope to do this year, maybe we can tackle some of those goals together...

What running has taught me

1. Sometimes you do things you don't want to.

When I first started running I hated it.  I didn't understand it and I certainly didn't enjoy it.  It seemed crazy to run for fun.  I just kept telling myself it would get better if I just kept pushing myself and eventually it did.  It didn't happen overnight, but through months of hard work it paid off.  Every run is different and each ones teaches me something new.  It's like having a counselor, teacher and cheerleader all wrapped up into one.  Every time you set out on a run it takes you on a new journey.

2.  Start slow!

I'm not sure why I thought I could just jump into racing without any training.  I guess I have sort of a complex about things and like to believe that I can do anything I put my mind to.  That's partially true, but when it comes to anything physical you better train first to prepare your body.  You have to walk before you can run, just like you should probably start with a 5k before jumping into a full marathon.  With anything in life, it's best to work up to it rather than jump in and be overwhelmed or worse, drown. 

3.  Take your time

This one I had to learn the hard way.  I'm stubborn.  It's really hard for me to quiet my ego and slow down when I know I shouldn't be going as hard or fast during a run.  Just this past weekend I made it through the first mile and felt pain creeping through my foot.  I knew I needed to stop but my pride didn't want to let me.  Eventually I gave in and walked, but it was harder to walk and take my time than to push through and finish strong like usual.  You have to know your own limits and pay attention to them.  There's no shame in slowing it down a bit, a 15 minute mile and 5 minute mile are both still a mile and at the finish line you'll get the same shiny medal to show off. 

4.  Set goals

When I first started running all I wanted to do was finish a 5k without stopping.  To do this I told myself I would do at least one race a month to make sure I was staying in some kind of shape (even if that shape happened to be round at the time).  Each time I reached a goal I would set a new one just beyond the grasp of that first one.  Whenever I conquered a new feat, I felt unstoppable.  Whether running or in just my day to day, I now feel like there isn't anything I can't do. The feeling of accomplishment and pride has to be earned.  It is always worth it.

5.  Celebrate your accomplishments

Sometimes its hard for us to be proud of something small, especially when we feel like we can do so much more.  I have to constantly remind myself of this one.  I often catch myself saying "oh it was just a 5k", but the truth is, even a shorter race has its challenges and celebrating a new PR or other accolade is every bit as important as others you may achieve.  Don't let anyone dim your shine, when you've done something you're proud of, flaunt it, you deserve it.

6.  Help others

This is my favorite.  I've always loved helping people, but being a part of the running community has enriched my life so much that I don't feel I could possibly ever give enough back to repay it.  Every time a friend or even stranger asks me for help with running or weight loss I get really excited.  I'm so glad to see others getting serious about their health and I love that they feel comfortable enough to ask me to be a part of that journey.  I will be your guru, support, encouragement, or whatever else you may need.  Once you get going, remember to take a look around and help those around you get to where they want to be as well. 

7.  Stay strong

There will be times when you want to give up.  You might lose sight of where you're going, or forgot how far you've come.  Keep pushing.  When you're able to keep going despite what may seem like the world crumbling around you, getting through it will be your best reward.  There's no easy way out, you can't go around it, the best way is to simply lace up your shoes and keep on going.  Don't let that roadblock stop you from getting to where you want to be, instead use it as a stepping stone to achieve higher success. 

8.  Just breath

Sometimes when I'm starting a race I get so excited and overwhelmed that I forget everything I've learned about running.  I jump out of the starting line like a prized thoroughbred (forgetting that I'm more like a pack mule) and quickly run out of breath.  I finally realize my grievous mistake and slow down to just focus on my breathing.  It's calming to take a moment and just breath.  Anytime you feel yourself sinking in, just take a moment to relax and breath.  It helps. 

9.  Listen

If you're a fast runner you might not ever experience this, but you should try it at least once.  Run with the back of the pack.  My very first half marathon I struggled, but being in the back with all those people who just wanted an opportunity to cross that finish line truly changed me.  They didn't need a PR, they just needed to prove that they could do it.  They were strong enough to overcome cancer, the loss of a child, or a multitude of other hardships and persevere.  Not just persevere, but grow beyond that and battle a beast they had never faced, a long distance race.  I laughed, I cried, and more than anything I enjoyed hearing stories from my fellow runners.  These tales from the road will move you, all you need to do is listen and be inspired.

10.  Smile

I've found that there isn't much a smile can't help.  This holds true for running.  Any race that I've had a hard time with, I just push down all the negative feelings and put a smile on my face.  You'd be surprised how people react to it, it's as if your happiness is infectious.  Encourage someone around you and offer them a smile, it just may be the thing they need to help them keep going.  Smile at the spectators to let them know you appreciate their cheers.  Just keep smiling, no matter what, it will almost certainly make you feel better and definitely brighten the day of those around you.

I'm sure there are plenty more, but 10 seemed like a good number to share so maybe I'll revisit this in the future and add a few things.  This list isn't exclusive to running, but can be applied to pretty much anything in life.  Being a runner has changed my perspective in ways I never thought possible.  I'm a better, stronger, happier person because of running.

Everyday I'm Hustlin'

Santa and Elf Gear

Before I became a runner I often thought that runners were crazy.  By often, I mean always.  Running whether inside or out, just didn't make sense to me.  Whenever I saw a runner out in the blistering heat or drowning in a torrential downpour, my mind always went to insanity.  There was simply no other explanation for why a person would CHOSE to do that to themselves.  On the lone occasion that I passed a runner during the winter, trudging through the snow, I assumed they must have gotten lost because no one would actually spend time outside at all, much less exercising, in subzero temps unless they had to.  Right? There's a lot of truth in that.  Runners aren't forced to, but they still have to get out there and run.

This weekend I realized that I am officially one of those crazy people.  I dragged myself out of bed in single digit weather to run.  I didn't just run, I paid to run, and on a Saturday morning no less. Believe it or not, I actually kind of enjoyed it.  I suppose I was a bit spoiled with last years weather because trotting out in that freezing cold wind was a nightmare. As soon as I stepped outside I had one of those "I immediately regret this" moments.  I'm not sure that any level of base layers could have kept me warm that morning. You reach a moment though when it doesn't matter anymore.  You hit that infamous runner's high and it seems like nothing can bring you down, not even the dropping temperature.

Cold, Struggle, Crowd, Reindeer

It's been a few weeks since my injury so I thought it would be safe to put some pressure on my foot again.  I made it to about mile one before the pain started to build through the numbness.  As soon as I felt that first twinge of discomfort I decided to stop and walk the rest of the race.  The only thing that kept me going was the joy of a cookie or cup of candy as I reached each new station.  I struggled from a run, to a walk, to a hobble until I finally crossed the finish line. I was convinced that despite my efforts, this was my worst race ever.  After checking the race results I realized that even with a bum foot I was faster than my slowest 5k time.  As discouraged as I was, I just had to keep reminding myself that a slow finish is better than a did not finish.

Bad weather or not, I still love the Santa Hustle.  It's a fun race, and the perks are pretty great for a 5k run.  In case you've never heard of it, you get a Santa shirt, hat, beard and there are cookies and candy along the course.  If you volunteer to help at packet pickup you also get an elf shirt and hat.  Once you get back to the festivities they have reindeer and all other manner of holiday treats.

Ironically, this made everyone stop running...

Viva Las Vegas!

Running the Rock'N'Roll Las Vegas for my birthday was the best choice I could have made.  This race was especially important to me since it marked the one year anniversary of when I started running.  I wanted to go big, I wanted it to be fun and more than anything I wanted an unforgettable experience.  I got all of that and more at this race.  I had never been to Las Vegas and running down the middle of the strip at night was the most memorable way to take it all in. 

Before I get ahead of myself, let's do a little visual recap of the whole trip...

keepin it clean...?

Birthday dinner/drinks

pre-race in front of the Luxor

post-race, 13.1 miles smashed!

The man, the legend, Dr Dribble!

ran into a fellow Rambler

this is how fast I run, seriously

about to fly off the giant shoe

set and ready to go

met up with some sorority sisters

Well after seeing all of that I'm not sure there's much left that I can say.  This race was epic.  I had tons of fun at the expo fooling around and picking up some sweet swag.  My birthday was spent doing what I love most, eating and running.  I met Doctor Dribble and was overjoyed that he didn't pass me until after mile 3 this time around. (Last time it was during the first mile, so I'm pretty sure that means I'm making progress right?)  I felt amazing for the first 7 miles, unstoppable really.  I crushed my 5k and 10k times, well at least that's what it felt like.  I think more than anything the atmosphere was so electrifying that I couldn't help but feel like I was a superstar breezing down the strip.  I made it til about mile 10 before I had to finally give in to my bodies requests and slow down to a walk.  That's when everything caught up to me, all the walking around and dancing in the days leading up to the race.  Will power got me through the last 3.1 miles because by then I was definitely on the struggle bus.  A fellow Loyola Rambler was working the medical tent at the finish line so I stopped to catch up with her and then limped my way back to my hotel.  The rest is a bit of a blur, but somehow I managed to eat some food, drink a lot of water and get myself into bed.  I would recommend this race to anyone who wants to try a half marathon but needs an extra boost or a fairly lax cut off time.  Hopefully I can be there again next year and maybe I'll even see you on the strip!